Do you really need an artist profile? Yes. Because platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music didn’t add artist profiles just for decoration. They built these tools because they need artists to use them for discovery, context, and growth.
Streaming services are giant ecosystems built on data, curation, and user behavior. Artist profiles help feed that system. When yours is optimized, it tells the platform:
- who you are
- what you sound like
- the playlists you are in
- similar artists
- and who might want to hear more
When you don’t use the tools, you make that job harder. And when they don’t know what to do with you — they do nothing.
How Artist Profiles Work on Music Platforms
This is how platforms work:
- Spotify and Apple Music prioritize artists with complete, active profiles.
- A polished profile increases your chances of being added to editorial playlists.
- Fans are more likely to follow you, listen deeper, and click your links when your page actually tells them who you are.
Profiles are about being findable, memorable, and worth sticking with.
Can I Claim an Artist Profile on My Own?
Not exactly. You can customize and manage your artist profile on your own. But only after your music is distributed.
Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music don’t let you just sign up and make an artist page from scratch. They generate your profile once your music is live, and that only happens through a music distributor.
If your music is already out there, yes, you can absolutely claim it and take full control. And you should.
Want help creating or releasing music the right way? That’s exactly what we do.
We distribute music to 100+ platforms
We can also tell you exactly how to optimize your artist profile. If you want help with both, we can help. Just hit us up.
Spotify
Let’s start with the big one. Everyone wants to get on Spotify playlists, but too many creators think an empty Spotify profile doesn’t hurt their chances. It does. Here’s how to set it up right:
How to claim your Spotify artist profile
- Go to artists.spotify.com/claim
- Log in with your Spotify account (or create one)
- Search for your artist name and request access
- Submit verification (social media links)
- Once approved, start customizing your profile
Now optimize it:
1. A proper Spotify profile picture and header
Sounds basic, but don’t roll your eyes. Choose a catchy pic. No blurry pub night photos. Pick clean, high-quality images that actually reflect your vibe. Spotify has size requirements, too, so double-check if it doesn’t crop weird.
2. Use the “Artist Pick” the smart way
You can pin a song, album, or playlist to the top of your profile. Don’t just leave your latest track sitting there by default. Instead, create a playlist that introduces new listeners to your absolute best work. Name it “Start Here” or “This is [Your Name].”
3. Build your own playlists
Spotify lets you highlight your playlists on your profile. Make playlists that feature your music mixed with a few tracks from popular artists you love or sound similar to. It keeps people engaged longer and lowkey nudges the Spotify algorithm to recognize you alongside bigger names.
4. Fill out the About section
Write a short, clear bio that actually says something, like your genre, recent achievements, or big collabs. Also, upload a few gallery images. Show your face. Show your studio. Show anything that gives fans a feel for who you are.
5. Add links
Spotify artist profile lets you link your social media. Always add your Instagram and YouTube at the very least. And make sure the platform you want people to visit most is first. It's literally one click away from growing your social media.
6. Related Artists
Properly building your playlists, adding an Artist Pick, and fully filling out your profile seems to help Spotify connect you to “Related Artists” faster. And once that happens? You start getting discovered way more organically. Not scientifically proven, but we've seen it happen.
7. Set up your Concerts tab
Spotify can automatically pull your tour dates and show them to fans nearby. If you play live even a little, this is a free promo you shouldn’t waste. (Availability may vary by region.)
Need a Spotify playlist strategy?
We can help! Check out our Music Distribution to Streaming Platforms service for the best music promotion strategies & more.
Apple Music
Apple Music doesn’t offer quite as much customization as Spotify, but there’s still plenty of room to stand out if you know where to look.
1. Claim Apple Music profile
Claiming your artist profile gives you access to stats, image control, and lets you pitch properly.
- Go to artists.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Search for your artist name and request access
- Verify your identity (link to social media)
- Once approved, you can manage your profile and access Shazam data
Key things to do:
2. Your artist image? Upload it
The image your distributor sends won’t always show up as your Apple Music profile image. You have to upload it manually to Apple Music for Artists.
3. Look at your Shazam data
Apple owns Shazam, and they feed Shazam data directly into your artist analytics. If a song is getting lots of Shazams in a certain city? That’s a signal to push content or ads there. Maybe even book a show.
4. Apple Music bios update slower
If you change your bio on your Apple Music artist profile, don’t freak out if it takes a while to show. Sometimes it takes weeks. That’s just how it is, so plan ahead.
YouTube Music
Let’s talk about YouTube Music. If your tracks are being distributed to YouTube Music, they’re automatically added to a topic channel. But if you haven’t claimed your Official Artist Channel (OAC), you’re missing out big time.
How to claim your YouTube Official Artist Channel:
Note: Only your distributor can claim the YouTube Official Artist Channel for you.
So, firstly, make sure your music is officially released via a distributor.
Then the distributor goes to support.google.com/youtube and submits your channel and their own info.
Once approved, your channel will merge with your Topic page and gain full features.
How to use it:
1. Merge your channels
If your music is on a topic channel and your YouTube channel is separate, you can apply to merge them into an Official Artist Channel. That way, all your music shows up in one place. Plus, you get the music note badge, which boosts credibility.
2. Optimize your channel layout
Once you have an OAC, you can rearrange sections. Pin your newest video, organize playlists by mood, and include short clips from music videos or live sessions.
3. Use Community posts
Not available on Spotify or Apple Music, but YouTube gives you a direct line to fans. Drop teasers, ask questions, share BTS content. It keeps the algorithm warm and your audience engaged between drops.
4. Thumbnails are super important
You probably already know this from your main YouTube channel, but don’t ignore thumbnails on your music videos or visualizers. A good one gets clicked, even on YouTube Music.
Wondering how to market music online?
We've helped hundreds of artists grow faster and earn more by taking the stress out of music marketing. If you’re ready to do the same, reach out to us.
Amazon Music
Amazon Music doesn’t get as much hype, but it’s quietly growing, especially with Alexa users. Optimizing here is easy, but important.
How to claim your Amazon Music for Artists profile:
- Go to artists.amazonmusic.com
- Sign in with your Amazon account
- Search for your artist name and verify your social media links
You already know about choosing the right images and claiming your profile, so let’s highlight only these two things:
1. Check out “Voice Requests”
Voice Requests is a feature that shows you what people are asking Alexa to play. If you notice people keep mispronouncing your name or song title, it’s a good idea to tweak how it’s written or marketed. Maybe it’s a small fix in your artist name spelling or adding more clarity to the song title in your descriptions.
2. Make it merch-ready
If you’re selling merch (and you totally should be), don’t miss the chance to show it off right on your Amazon Music profile. Amazon lets you link your official merch directly, so when fans are checking out your music, they can grab a hoodie, a vinyl, or whatever you’re selling, without even leaving the app. It’s super slick, and honestly, it’s free marketing space you’d be crazy not to use.
Deezer
Deezer might not be the biggest name in the U.S., but globally? It has serious reach, especially in Europe and Latin America.
1. Get access through Deezer for Creators
Yup, there’s a separate artist platform. Once you're in, upload an artist image, bio, and check your stats.
- Go to creators.deezer.com
- Log in or sign up
- Search for your artist profile and request access
- Once granted, you can update your photo, bio, and view analytics
2. Focus on editorial playlists
Deezer editors still curate a ton of playlists manually. If your music’s doing well on YouTube and has some traction, you’ve got a shot at getting placed, especially if you highlight local success.
3. Use “Smart Links”
Deezer offers shareable links that auto-redirect fans based on their country or device. Perfect for sharing your tracks in the description of your YouTube videos without making people hunt for the right version.
A Few Final Things That Apply Everywhere
Your music might live on YouTube, but your fans live everywhere. Make sure when they find you on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or anywhere else, they’re seeing a polished profile that looks and feels like you.
And if you want some expert recommendations, hit us up. Let’s make your music profiles look and perform smoothly.